Policies and regulations on artificial intelligence must prioritize user empowerment, and in this perspective, media and information literacy offers the key set of competencies for users to navigate through a disrupted digital ecosystem.

As the digital landscape is increasingly shaped by the widespread us of various GAI tools, this analysis aims to explore both the opportunities and risks associated with this innovative technology.

Authored by MS DIVINA FRAU-MEIGS, a professor of media and ICT sociology, the policy brief User empowerment through Media and Information Literacy to the evolution of generative Artificial Intelligence aims at examining and analyzing Media and Information responses to GAI development. Specific areas of examination include disinformation, hate speech, privacy and data rights infringement, source reliability and opportunities for lifelong learning.

The policy brief complements UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms: safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information through a multistakeholder approach. Launched in 2023, the guidelines highlight MIL as a key element of the digital platform governance system.

Responding to AI through the lens of Media and Information Literacy yields renewed perspectives on how to deal with AI governance and restore trust in media and information.

Divina Frau-Meigs

Professor of media and ICT sociology and author of the policy brief

Key Recommendations

The policy brief puts forth several recommendations to guide stakeholders in developing frameworks, policies and regulatory mechanisms for generative AI.

Adoption of explainable AI standards, to integrate into education design and digital regulations.

Integration of MIL in Education: Inclusion of MIL in both formal and informal education, with a strong component on AI literacy programmes.

Development of national MIL policies connected to digital transformation. These policies should ensure that developers of generative AI prioritize user empowerment and consider ethical considerations.

The policy brief is scheduled for launch on 6 February 2024, during the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence 2024, organized by Slovenia, under the patronage of UNESCO.

Ms Frau-Meigs will present key highlights during a session dedicated to artificial intelligence regulation, joined by speakers including Mr Luciano Mazza de Andrade, Ambassador and Director of the Department for Science, Technology, and Intellectual Property at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms Alexandria Walden, Google’s global policy lead for global human rights and free expression.

• Jelassi is Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, UNESCO